Rapid Response service extending in Northern Ireland

Marie Curie is extending its Rapid Response service to the whole of the Western Trust meaning more care will be available at short notice to families locally.  

Rapid Response was previously only available in the northern sector of the Western Trust, but thanks to new funding, the service will be extended, supporting more people with a terminal illness and their families at home.

Working in partnership with local GP out of hours and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Marie Curie Nurses can provide a timely response for all calls for care and assistance and importantly, help avoid hospital admissions.

Marie Curie Regional Manager, Paula Heneghan, explains the benefits for the local community:

“We are delighted to be able to expand our Rapid Response service across the whole Western Trust. One of the main benefits of Rapid Response is that we can help keep people out of hospital. Figures show that there are a high number of deaths in hospitals in Northern Ireland, so reducing admissions or time spent in hospital can only be a good thing.

“Currently a non-cancer patient can spend up to ten days in hospital, so we want to help keep people at home where possible. The service also benefits emergency departments as someone might visit, but not have to be admitted, which saves on bed days and ultimately the cost to the health service.

“It’s also known that the majority of people with a terminal illness would rather be treated in their own home and we want to ensure that people can receive care where they feel most comfortable. When one of our Rapid Response nurses attends a home, they could be there for two to three hours, providing practical support for the whole family, as well as the medical assistance needed. We also offer telephone advice to families who may not need a home visit.”

Marie Curie Nurse, Sandra Fulton has been involved with Rapid Response since its launch in 2010. She said:

“Every shift is completely different, you never know who you are going to visit and what will be required of you, but to see the impact that you can have on people lives, whether its easing their pain, giving advice or providing emotional support, it’s very rewarding.

“People often express how much it means to them when we visit and that they couldn’t manage without the service. I was recently involved with one family – the father had a very complex condition and acute pain at times, but it was his wish to remain at home and through the Rapid Response service, we made this happen. He never had to visit hospital and died at home surrounded by his family three months ago.”

Ciaran McKenna, Clinical Service Improvement Lead, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said:

“Prior to our partnership with Marie Curie, any patients who the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) attended for palliative and end of life care needs were transported to hospital. However, following our partnership, we are now able to refer patients to Marie Curie. This means that patients can remain in their own home and receive care in a more comfortable environment surrounded by their family.

“It really enhances the patient experience and ensures that they have a more dignified and peaceful death in the comfort of their homes. It’s also beneficial for NIAS clinicians as they know they are now providing more appropriate care for their patients.”

Deborah Ward, General Manager, Western Urgent Care said:

“Western Urgent Care is delighted to be able to support Marie Curie and Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) to deliver this valuable service to patients in the area. This type of partnership work will provide responsive services and much needed care to those with the greatest needs in the community.”

The service operates on an out of hours basis from 10pm-8am seven days a week and 24/7 on weekends and bank holidays.

Free Marie Curie Support and Information is available for anyone with questions about terminal illness. Contact 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/support